Psoriasis is believed to run in families, so are your genes a guarantee that you'll develop it? Let's take a closer look at the role that genes might play in cases like this.
Your genes will determine many things about you, including your susceptibility to certain illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Other things, such as your eye colour, hair colour, and height, are all determined by your DNA. Psoriasis tends to run in families too, which is why genes are thought to have an impact on whether or not you'll have this condition.
However, in most cases, genes are only one factor contributing to developing diseases like psoriasis. The role of genetics in psoriasis is complex. While there is no single “psoriasis gene,” certain genetic factors may make a person more likely to develop different types of psoriasis.
It's true that those with a family member or family history of psoriasis are slightly more at risk of developing the condition themselves. But it's important to note that this does not mean that you will definitely get psoriasis. In fact, many people who have a family member with psoriasis do not develop the condition. On the other hand, many individuals without a family history of psoriasis do develop this autoimmune disease. If you've been thinking about this, the bottom line is that your genes don't guarantee the development of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects people of all ages. While the exact cause of psoriasis is still in debate, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Psoriasis seems to be rooted in problems with the immune system, which causes the body's skin cells to grow and multiply at an accelerated rate. This excess skin cell growth is what leads to the formation of psoriasis plaques and lesions on different parts of the skin.
If genes don't determine psoriasis though, what else contributes to it? Let’s discuss some other factors that come into play, and that may cause an outbreak of psoriasis on the skin.
As we've seen, people without a family history of psoriasis can still develop it, so this suggests that other elements must also be involved. There are many environmental triggers that have been linked to psoriasis flare-ups. These external triggers may affect those with a genetic predisposition toward psoriasis, but they might contribute to psoriasis even if you aren't predisposed.
Stress is a common trigger for many different conditions, and psoriasis is no exception. Stress and psoriasis links aren’t fully understood but stress can influence the immune system, affecting psoriasis flare-ups. Calming activities, like yoga and meditation, may help to reduce stress levels and, as a result, allow the body to heal in different ways.
Another environmental factor that might contribute to psoriasis is skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, or burns. In some cases, these injuries can lead to the development of plaque psoriasis at the site of the injury. Skin damage can easily cause your symptoms to get worse, so it's important to take care of your skin.
If you're already dealing with psoriasis patches and scarring, our natural scar minimising oil can be a great support for your skin. We've used a combination of rosehip and avocado oil to create a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed and extremely nourishing.
There are also certain infections that may act as triggers for psoriasis. For example, strep throat is a common trigger for guttate psoriasis. In fact, this form of psoriasis often develops a week or two after a strep infection.
What you eat may also play a role in psoriasis flare-ups and development. Unhealthy foods that damage the gut and compromise the immune system will likely make symptoms worse or increase the risk of skin conditions. On the other hand, a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods may help to control your symptoms and promote healing. Gut-friendly foods such as our multi-strain probiotic formula can help you support your health, reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of psoriasis.
A key takeaway from the research into genes and psoriasis is that our genes are not always a deciding factor. By managing the environmental elements within our control, we can minimise the risk of developing or worsening psoriasis symptoms.